Hello Suebot--- I am no expert BUT I have been growing clematis for many years. Plus my Mom and Dad grew them. Mom has two that Dad planted over 25 years ago before his sudden death and they are still blooming. It's a old time favorite-- Nellie Moser.-- How old were the clematis that you bought? 1 year, 2 year or 3 Year?--- I think I would keep them in the containers another year if they are 1 year olds and allow them to sit and grow.-- I have never had a Wisley but I do have the other one.--- The only thing about growing clematis with roses is the pruning. Thorns and clematis vining are hard to prune @ seperate Times.-- They are 2 great websites that I use for reference as well my clematis books that I bought while visiting the Clematis Society in England.-- the sites--- the one I just mentioned and the American Clematis Society that has headquarters in Calif.-- Did I ask all your questions?-- If not please just let me know.

It is really hard to decide; my rule of thumb has always been, which will require the least out of my pocket in the long run? Without doing all kinds of calculations (that I can't do, but I believe that there are websites that can calculate it for you) I can't say for sure. There are advantages to the fixed rate refi, especially lowering the interest rate on your original balance; but could you get a lower rate and less out of pocket from a HELOC, paying it off first with the same discipline that you have been using? Have you talked to a credit union? I did take out a HELOC from my local credit union in order to pay off my mom's condo loan; there were no closing costs, fees, etc and the lowest interest rate in town. That was before the crash -- and it was long ago paid off, so I don't know if such a good deal might still be available. Don't know what repairs you need, but some large companies (hvac, roofing, siding) will offer low cost financing too -- you have to read the contract very carefully to be sure that you are getting what was promised.

Dilly- Actually the dresser is 1948..So pretty close to the 50's! HA... That is really good information on the brass. I have been lugging this thing for years and its been in my basement at four previous homes. When I get time I will take a close look and see what the story is on that. I like the idea of making it more aged (if possible)depending on what I find. Very good ideas and thank you so much for sharing that knowledge with me... Will let you know what I find. I had an entire white french provenial bedroom suite when I was a child. Canopy bed and all. It was a late 60's thing too. This dresser is a lot slimmmer on the sides and has more curves. Just some neat history on stuff..Its funny how time repeats itself. To give you guys an idea of "how bad" this place was when we bought it. I guess the previous owner locked their animals in here for very LONG extended times. Especially in the finished basement. The cat pee would kill a Marine! LOL...You could crack the door and pass out. We had a "forensic" cleaner come out and lessen the smell by 80%. Then we were able to at least go down and start getting the junk out. Once all the junk was out, he came back and did some more and it was 95% better. We purchased a huge dehumidifier and kept it on full blast for two weeks. A family member is in commercial janitorial and she sent me some stuff to finish cleaning the walls and concrete. Now all is well in the basement. Upstairs was ankle deep in dog hair. Every air vent was clogged and the returns were stuffed full. I don't see how they even breathed in here. Cat poop on the counters on the stove in the stove. We were not sure we could even save the refrigerator. I tackled the stove and DH did the refrig. FOUR HOURS... The grease was in multiple layers and once I started disturbing it the rat poop started coming to the surface...OMG....I almost lost my lunch a few times. We were able to save both of them. The Master Shower was soooooo bad it took us three days and lacquer thinner to remove the dirt. The shower doors even after lacquer thinner and everything under the moon including bleach and pressure washer were unable to be saved. DH will end up tiling the entire shower but we were trying to at least get it where we could live here. We have no vanities or linen closets (cabinet man is hard at work as we speak) So we are unpacked except for that. What little sheetrock that is in here is in great need of paint. The biggest shock was it has a HUGE master closet and not one rod or shelf was ever installed in it! People lived here for four years like this. It was a diamond in the rough and it only took us walking in for one second to realize the potential. People tell us we love punishment! HA! We call it sweat equity... I just can't wait for the painter to get here...He is going to start in Master Bath and go to the MIL room. Then we will get through Thanksgiving and start again.... I can't wait to hang some pictures...... You guys will see the finished products, I promise.... I know I am gonna need a little help here and there..... Ohh yeahhh every door in this house was either scratched down to bear metal or wood. DH has been one painting fool!!! He is "Charlie Daniels" of the spray gun...LOL!!! Took us a week and half just to clean the first story so we could move an air mattress in....Lots of fun when you are moving across three states...Ahhhh yeahhh we nuts!!!!!! Lisa

I agree with the thought of buying cookbooks. Can't do without a classic like "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" by Julia Child, I think there's two volumes (her biography is good too). The Martha Stewart Living cookbooks are incredible, I've never had anything out of those books not turn out fabulous. Cole's "Cooking A to Z" is an awesome technical book that any novice can follow and learn from. The Foodnetwork stars cookbooks are popular, but they tend to be faddish so I don't know how long they would stay current in circulation. The best in my opinion would be the ones by Paula Deen, Ina Garten, and Giada DeLaurentis, following them is Tyler Florence and Rachael Ray who are very popular with the younger crowd. If you like Louisiana style cooking Emeril is for you, but I'm not personally fond of his recipes. Other non-foodnetwork cookbooks I love are by Sarah Foster and Nigella Lawson (her "How to Eat" is the best one). Of course we can't leave out the "Cook's Illustrated" cookbooks, they possible have the best test kitchen in America and the cookbooks are fabulous. I forbid you to buy any cookbooks by Sandra Lee or Robin Miller, those aren't "cookbooks".